What to do in Case of a Dental Emergency

Posted
Friday, April 20, 2018 8:23 am

Dr. Alina Bergan, DDS

When experiencing a dental emergency, call the dentist right away so to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This may mean the same day or the next morning. Until you get to the dentist’s office, there are some things you can do at home as a preventative, or supportive measure. However, if swelling, bleeding or pain is severe, or the problem has caused difficulty breathing, go directly to the emergency room.

Knocked out (Avulsed) Tooth or Crown

If one of your teeth is completely avulsed, there are actions you can take to preserve the tooth or ensure a better outcome. After gently rinsing the tooth, try to carefully fit it back into the socket. If this isn’t possible (if the patient is a child for instance) place the tooth in a glass of milk or some lightly salted water.

Restorative crowns can also become dislodged, and there is a process that can prevent damage. Before being seen by the dentist, clean out the area, dab some petroleum jelly on it and try to stick the crown back on. If a filling is lost, you can temporarily seal the hole with dental cement, or if unavailable, sugarless gum.

Broken Tooth

Taking care of a chipped or cracked tooth can vary in urgency. Mostly, rinsing with a salt-water solution and applying gauze to any bleeding area will be effective. Do not apply a topical pain reliever as it can burn. If possible, save any of the broken pieces of tooth. Should the pain, swelling or bleeding persist before an appointment can be made, consider a visit to the emergency room.

Toothaches and Abscesses

For most suffering from a toothache, temporary pain relief is the goal until a dental professional can be seen. Rinsing with salt water, using a topical pain reliever, and applying a cold compress if swelling occurs can help.

Abscesses are serious and should be treated by a dental or medical professional right away. Consider going to an emergency room if you can’t be seen quickly by a dentist.

Ways to prevent and help with dental emergencies

Your dentist may have products or can recommend products found at the drug store to prepare an at-home dental emergency kit. In addition to preparation, many dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard during physical activities and avoid using your teeth on inedible objects.